Retreat offers balance through bonding

Julie Severn

10/2/2003 12:00:00 AM

Spiritual rejuvenation, health screening and education are the focus of an upcoming women's retreat to help Native women get in touch with their inner life-force.

Through the Nimkee Clinic, Women's Health is offering a three-day refuge to the Ralph A. MacMullan Conference Center, located on Higgins Lake in Roscommon Sept. 14-16.

"Women have a tendency to put themselves last," explained Nimkee Women's Health Coordinator Tina McPhall. "They take care of their children, family, careers and housework, and often don't have the time to focus on their own needs. This is a chance for them to get away from everyday stressors and pressures and get back in touch with their spirit. It's a chance for them to come first and do it in a beautiful, natural surrounding."

Funded by a Michigan Inter-Tribal Council grant and the Saginaw Chippewa Tribe, 40 community women will share in stories, crafts, meditation, healing arts, traditional medicine teachings, sweat lodge and nature walks.

Set in the state's northern woods, the conference center offers a unique alternative to urban-oriented conference centers.

"There's always been an interest in the community for a retreat," said committee member Debbie Squillets. "While organizing the event, we've incorporated a lot of local women to find out what things they would enjoy, and have also selected women from the community to share their knowledge through traditional teachings."

McPhall also said a survey was conducted in May to find out what programs Native women would like and the retreat received high ratings.

"We want to provide them with a chance to relax, while doing beading, basket weaving or quill work," McPhall said. "Women are the core of the community and it's important for them to realize that. We want to educate them with health information regarding exercise, nutrition and osteoporosis, but we also want them to enjoy the tranquility and serenity of the weekend."

Squillets agreed, adding the strength of a community relies on the health and fortitude of its women.

"It's important in any community for women to be physically and emotionally healthy for the community as a whole and this is just what we need for our women," said Squillets. "We want to promote healthy lifestyles for our Tribal women."

The deadline to register is Aug. 31. Space is limited to 40 participants, who will be selected on a first-come, first-served basis. Breast-feeding mothers and their infants are welcome to attend. Food and transportation will be provided. For more information contact McPhall at (989) 775-4604 or Squillets at (989) 775-5651.